CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 59(RES) An Act relating to raffles and auctions of certain permits to take big game; and providing for an effective date. Co-chairman Halford directed that CSHB 59 (Res) be brought on for discussion. REPRESENTATIVE CON BUNDE came before committee. He explained that the bill would allow qualified organizations to raffle off big game permits (Governor's tags). This type of effort has been successful in other states and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. The estimate is that the permits should raise $50.0 to $100.0 the first year in Alaska, and grow from that point. The program essentially allows wealthy sportsmen to make donations to the fish and game fund and have the prestige of obtaining a Governor's tag. A national organization that supports use of wildlife would auction the tags and be allowed to retain ten percent plus expenses. The remainder would flow to the state fish and game fund. Representative Bunde directed attention to SCS CSHB 59 (Res), Page 1, line 13, and voiced concern regarding the legality of the following language: The donations may be made only to nonprofit corporations based in Southeast Alaska . . . . and recommended removal of "Southeast." Senator Randy Phillips so MOVED. No objection having been raised, the amendment was ADOPTED. Senator Rieger MOVED that SCS CSHB 59 (Fin) pass from committee with individual recommendation and accompanying fiscal notes. No objection having been raised, SCS CSHB 59 (Fin) was REPORTED OUT of committee with a fiscal note from the Dept. of Fish and Game showing a cost of $1.0 and revenues of $25.0. Co-chairmen Halford and Frank and Senators Rieger and Sharp signed the committee report with a "do pass" recommendation. Senators Donley and Phillips signed "no recommendation."